The Whole Soy Story

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Soy is celebrated as a "health food," but is it? Some research links soy to both lowered thyroid and HDL ("good") cholesterol levels, suggesting that soy may not be the super health food it's made out to be.

The problem with regular soy consumption lies in one of soy’s compounds: phytoestrogens, which are plant estrogens. Soy contains a special kind of phytoestrogen called isoflavones (more specifically,.genistein and daidzein isoflavones). These isoflavones act like estrogen in the body when ingested. While a little soy isn't anything to be concerned about, considerable soy intake on a daily basis may be.

Experts on both sides of the fence debate the benefits of soy. The American Heart Association (AHA) says that studies have not yet shown whether soy isoflavone supplements are helpful or harmful. In January of 2006, the AHA reversed its position regarding the health benefits of soy, stating that soy has little effect on cholesterol and is unlikely to prevent heart disease. The bottom line: Eating lots of soy probably won’t yield much benefit, but it just may have some negative side effects – so it’s best to limit your intake.

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